The true story of an Australian, Robert Coveny, who was born into a prominent colonial-era family in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1842. Instead of following in his father’s footsteps in business and commerce, Robert opted for a military career in the British Army.He journeyed to Britain and joined an elite Regiment – the 42nd Highlanders or ‘Black Watch’ as the Regiment is more famously known. He served with the Regiment in many of Britain’s colonial wars until he was Killed in Action during the ill-fated Nile Expedition. His military service had begun on 7th January, 1862, and ended on 10th February, 1885.A fascinating account of a little-known aspect of Australian history.

This is the true story of an enforced year out from the rat race for our average middle class Australian hero. Facing a total reverse of his fortunes, partly as a result of the ‘Recession Australia had to have’ and partly through his own fault, our hero retreats from the home he once owned to his last remaining asset—a bush block near the river, just out of town in the Hunter Valley.